RCN

Professional Services

RCN Credentialing
for Advanced Level
Nursing Practice
Handbook for applicants
2 rcn.org.uk/credentialing
 RCN
Credentialing

Contents
Introduction 4

Eligibility 4

Credentialing criteria 5

Pathways to achieving the RCN Advanced Level Nursing Practice Credential 7

Mapping to the Higher Education Qualifications at level 7

(or level 11 on the Scottish Qualifications Framework) 11

Renewing the credential 12

The assessment process 13

References 14

Appeals and complaints 14

Appendix one:
RCN Advanced Level Nursing Practice Credential Application: clinical referee 15

Appendix two: Job plan 17

Appendix three: RCN Accredited Advanced Nurse Practitioner (ANP/NP)

programmes updated February 2020 19

Appendix four: Descriptor for a higher education qualification at level 7 20

Appendix five: Mapping against RCN Accredited Advanced Practice

Programme Standards 22

Appendix six: Frequently asked questions 23

3
Introduction
Nursing continues to evolve and modern nursing
practice has built on its traditional skills and
knowledge base to enable it to be responsive to
society’s changing health care needs. The RCN,
as the United Kingdom’s professional body for
nursing, helps promote, support and further
develop the profession and assists nurses to
obtain the recognition they deserve.
That is why the RCN is introducing a credentialing
approach – formal recognition for each nurse,
their colleagues, employers and most importantly,
patients and the public, of the advanced level
of expertise and skill that nurses awarded this
credential have achieved. This will be evidenced
Eligibility
Any nurse who works at an advanced level of
clinical practice, has non-medical prescribing
rights and has an active registration with the
NMC can apply.
Applications are open to members and
non-members of the RCN.
Eligibility is linked solely to an applicant’s ability
to demonstrate that they meet our requirements
for qualifications, experience and competence.
The initial credential is for three years.
The definition of advanced practice set out
below, together with the advice provided, should
help individuals to identify whether they meet
the requirements for the credential.
RCN definition of advanced practice:
“  Advanced practice is a level of practice, rather
than a type of practice. Advanced Nurse
Practitioners are educated at master’s level
in clinical practice and have been assessed
as competent in practice using their expert
clinical knowledge and skills. They have
the freedom and authority to act, making
autonomous decisions in the assessment,
diagnosis and treatment of patients.”
4 rcn.org.uk/credentialing
across the four pillars of: clinical practice,
leadership, education and research.
This is not about a job title; it is about recognising
the level of practice a nurse is working at.
RCN Advanced Practice standards is
characterised by the following principles:
 autonomous practice
 critical thinking
 high levels of decision-making and
problem-solving
 values-based care
 improving practice.
There are many nurses who function at an
‘advanced’ level but may not be working in a
specifically clinical role. The RCN, and frameworks
of the four countries of the UK, see advanced
practice as a level of practice rather than a role
or title; as well as clinical practice, a practitioner
may be working in research, education or
managerial/leadership roles. These four domains
are the pillars of advanced practice and all
advanced practice posts will contain some
elements of each pillar.
Each of the pillars may be demonstrated in a
variety of ways. With respect to research, for
example, practitioners may not have a formal
research remit, but may demonstrate how
to identify research questions or implement
research in practice. Similarly, practitioners may
manage staff, services or resources. Education
can be a formal part of practice linked to a
higher education institution (HEI) or it may be
less formal education in practice. However, for
advanced practice clinical roles the clinical pillar
will always be the most prominent.
Fig 1. The four pillars can combine in different ways depending on how and where you practise.
Source: NHS Wales Advanced Practice Framework (2010).
Credentialing criteria
The RCN seeks to credential nurses who fulfil
the criteria for advanced level practice, to
recognise this level of practice, and to continue
to develop the profession. Therefore a set of
criteria that represents the very best in advanced
level nursing practice has been developed:
 a relevant master’s degree
 non-medical prescribing qualification
 experience and expertise mapped against
the four pillars of advanced nursing practice
 a job plan that demonstrates current
advanced level practice verified by a senior
nurse/employer
 a clinical reference verifying the applicant’s
clinical competence
 evidence of continued professional
development related to advanced nursing
practice over the previous three years
 a qualification in Health Assessment/
Clinical Examination.
This stringent set of criteria will enable the
nursing profession to be better recognised for
excellent practice, endorse exceptional practice
and create a development route for those nurses
aspiring to work at an advanced level.
The RCN recognises that these requirements
may exclude many nurses who currently adopt
the title ANP/NP but are unable to meet the
requirements of the credential. We have therefore
created pathways (models) to enable these nurses
to demonstrate their expertise and equivalencies
for the criteria, or to acquire the additional skills
and knowledge required.
The transitional pathways will be time limited,
for further detail please review the website
https://www.rcn.org.uk/Professional-
Development/Professional-services/
Credentialing.
5
Those nurses achieving the credential through
the transitional pathway will NOT be required to
achieve a full master’s degree following cessation
of the transitional arrangements as they will be
deemed to have already met the criteria for the
credential.
The following pathways to credentialing (models
A-D) set out below will assist you in deciding
whether you meet the requirements. If you
do not have the required evidence you should not
submit an application, as it is unlikely to be
successful and we are unable to refund your
application fee.
You are advised to ensure your reference maps
against the four pillars of advanced practice and
is signed by a senior clinician. Templates for this
purpose can be found in the appendices.
6 rcn.org.uk/credentialing
You must ensure that your job plan gives a
detailed account of your daily work and not
a brief description. For example, “working in
surgery” or “working on medical ward” is not
sufficient. The job plan must be verified by a
senior clinical lead or your employer. In either
case, the signatory must know your work and
agree to be contacted if required. For transitional
pathways, you may need to supply two
referees’ names. A template can be found in the
appendices. The reference and job plan must not
be signed by the same person.
The clinical referee should be from a job posting
of over 12 months duration. If you have been at
your job for less than this time you will require
an additional clinical reference from your
previous employer.
Please submit documentary evidence if your
name differs on transcripts or certificates.
If you need help understanding the requirements
or the acceptable forms of evidence for each, you
can contact us at credentialing@rcn.org.uk with
your questions.
Pathways to achieving the RCN Advanced Level
Nursing Credential
MODEL A: RCN Accredited MSc in Advanced Practice (or comparable e.g. nationally commissioned
Northern Irish, Scottish or Welsh Masters award)

Qualification Experience Competence Evidence Check

MSc/Masters Successful Transcript/certificate of
Advanced completion of final successful achievement.
Practice year of MSc ANP is
NMC PIN
the consolidation
and experience
period whilst in
clinical practice and
is minimal level of
experience
NMC recordable NMC Statement of Entry/
prescribing certificate of successful
qualification achievement
Currently employed/ Current, detailed
self-employed as completed Job Plan verified
advanced level by employer/clinical lead.
nurse working in (This is not the job
accordance with description, but a
the four pillars of description of the actual
advanced practice roles carried out by the
ALNP in a typical week/
month)
Two examples of Evidence for revalidation
evidence of CPD purposes demonstrating
related to advanced advanced level practice
clinical practice (certificate and NMC
within previous template) is acceptable or
three years two reflective pieces related
to ALNP level practice
Assessed as Completed, current,
competent in detailed Job Plan signed by
practice – local employer/clinical lead. (This
assessment using is not the job description,
country-specific but a description of the
framework actual roles carried out by
assessed by the ALNP in a typical week)
clinical lead
Clinical reference signed by
a senior clinician different
from the person who signs
the Job Plan

7
MODEL B: Master’s degree in advanced practice, not accredited by the RCN

Qualification Experience Competence Evidence Check

Master’s degree Transcripts or certificates
transcripts of successful completion of
programme mapped against
the four pillars of advanced
practice
NMC PIN
NMC NMC Statement of
recordable Entry/Certificate of
prescribing successful achievement
qualification
Current, detailed completed
Job Plan verified by
employer/clinical lead.
(This is not the job
description, but a description
of the actual roles carried
out by the ALNP in a typical
week/month)
Two examples Evidence for revalidation
of evidence of purposes demonstrating
CPD related to advanced level practice
advanced clinical (certificate and NMC
practice within template) is acceptable or
the previous two reflective pieces related
three years. to ALNP level practice
Assessed as Completed, detailed,
competent in current Job Plan signed
practice- local by employer/clinical
assessment using leader. (This is not the
country-specific job description, but a
framework assessed description of the actual
by clinical lead roles carried out by the
ALNP in a typical week)
Clinical reference signed by
a senior clinician different
from the person signing the
Job Plan.

8 rcn.org.uk/credentialing
MODEL C: Full masters with clinical focus (MA, MSc, MBA)

Qualification Experience Competence Evidence Check

Master’s degree Transcripts or certificates
of successful completion of
Health
programme mapped against
Assessment
the four pillars of advanced
module at level
practice
6 or 7.
NMC PIN
NMC NMC Statement of
recordable Entry/Certificate of
prescribing successful achievement
qualification
Current, detailed completed
Job Plan verified by
employer/clinical lead. (This
is not the job description,
but a description of the
actual roles carried out by
the ALNP in a typical
week/month)
Two examples Evidence for revalidation
of evidence of purposes demonstrating
CPD related to advanced level practice
advanced clinical (certificate and NMC
practice within template) is acceptable or
the previous two reflective pieces related
three years. to ALNP level practice
Assessed as Completed, detailed,
competent in current Job Plan signed
practice- local by employer/clinical
assessment using leader. (This is not the
country- specific job description, but a
framework assessed description of the actual
by clinical lead roles carried out by the
ALNP in a typical week)
Clinical reference signed by
a senior clinician different
from the person signing the
job plan.

9
MODEL D: TRANSITIONAL CRITERIA UNTIL DECEMBER 2022– Demonstrating Masters Level experience

Qualification Experience Competence Evidence Check

L7 credits Transcripts/certificates of
successful completion
L 6 credits
NMCPIN
Health
Assessment Portfolio of evidence mapped
module against four pillars of advanced
(Level 6 or 7) practice includes a reflective
statement of 1000 words
demonstrating evidence of
achievement of meeting the
descriptor for Higher
Education Qualifications at level
7 (or level 11 on the Scottish
Qualifications Framework,
section) in full. The descriptors
can be found below. The
reflection must also demonstrate
application of the four pillars
of advanced practice & will be
marked at masters level.
NMC NMC Statement of Entry/
recordable certificate of successful
prescribing achievement
qualification
(Level 6 or 7)
Prescribing Current, detailed completed
qualification Job Plan verified by employer/
required clinical lead.
(This is not the job description,
Currently working
but a description of the actual
at advanced level
roles carried out by the ALNP in
in accordance with
a typical week/month)
the four pillars of
advanced practice
Two examples Evidence for revalidation
of evidence of purposes demonstrating
CPD related advanced level practice
to advanced (certificate and NMC template)
clinical practice in is acceptable or two reflective
previous 3 years pieces related to ALNP level
practice
Assessed as A clinical reference, including
competent in reference to the published
practice- local advanced practice framework
assessment using used in the assessment in the
country-specific workplace or in the programme
framework transcript and the four pillars of
assessed by advanced practice. Signed by a
clinical lead. senior clinician different to the
person signing the Job Plan.

10 rcn.org.uk/credentialing
Mapping to the Higher Education Qualifications
at level 7 (or level 11 on the Scottish Qualifications
Framework)
For those applicants who have not completed a
full master’s degree programme, you have the
opportunity, for a transitional period only, to write
a 1,000-word reflective statement demonstrating
how you believe you meet the descriptors outlined
below for Higher Education Qualifications at
level 7 (or level 11 on the Scottish Qualifications
Framework or, from April 2018, the apprenticeship
model).
We are particularly interested in how you
demonstrate the following achievements:
 deal with complex issues both systematically
and creatively, make sound judgements in the
absence of complete data, and communicate
your conclusions clearly to specialist and
non-specialist audiences
 demonstrate self-direction and originality
in tackling and solving problems, and act
autonomously in planning and implementing
tasks at a professional or equivalent level
 continue to advance your knowledge and
understanding, and to develop new skills to
a high level
 have the qualities and transferable skills
necessary for employment requiring:
• The exercise of initiative and personal
responsibility
• Decision-making in complex and
unpredictable situations
• The independent learning ability
required for continuing professional
development (CPD).
FOR INFORMATION
Master’s degrees are awarded to students who
have demonstrated:
 a systematic understanding of knowledge, and
a critical awareness of current problems and/or
new insights, much of which is at the forefront
of, or informed by, their academic discipline,
field of study or area of professional practice
 a comprehensive understanding of techniques
applicable to their own research or advanced
scholarship
 originality in the application of knowledge,
together with a practical understanding of
how established techniques of research and
enquiry are used to create and interpret
knowledge in the discipline
 conceptual understanding that enables the
student to:
• critically evaluate current research and
advanced scholarship in the discipline
• evaluate methodologies and develop
critiques of them and, where appropriate,
to propose new hypotheses.
Typically, holders of the qualification will be
able to:
 deal with complex issues both systematically
and creatively, make sound judgements in the
absence of complete data, and communicate
their conclusions clearly to specialist and
non-specialist audiences
 demonstrate self-direction and originality
in tackling and solving problems, and act
autonomously in planning and implementing
tasks at a professional or equivalent level
 continue to advance their knowledge and
understanding, and to develop new skills to a
high level.
And holders will have the qualities and
transferable skills necessary for employment
requiring:
 The exercise of initiative and personal
responsibility
 Decision making in complex and unpredictable
situations
 The independent learning ability necessary
for continuing professional development.
 The reflective piece needs to be referenced
and requires a bibliography.
11
Renewing your credential
The initial credential period is three years. Â a statement to the effect that the ALNP is not
under investigation/disciplinary procedures
After this time, renewal is required for a further
from the NMC and/or their employer.
three years; there is a fee for renewal.
It is expected that the ALNP practises, at all
The RCN credentialing team will notify the
times, in accordance with the NMC Code (2015)
advanced level nurse by email one month before
and will notify the RCN credentialing team at
the credential is due to expire that they must
credentialing@rcn.org.uk
renew, so that their name can remain on
the database. The material submitted for the re-credential will
be scrutinised by an external assessor from the
In order to renew the credential for a further
RCN’s Approved List of Credentialing Assessors.
three years the ALNP will be required to produce
The assessor’s decision will be final.
the following:
 a current, detailed job plan signed by a senior Should the ALNP no longer meet the criteria for
clinician/employer who can verify that this a the credential, or if there is sound reason for
true reflection of the ALNP’s clinical practice doing so, the ALNP’s name will be removed from
in a typical week the database.
 a clinical reference signed by a different senior

clinician /employer verifying that the ALNP is

working at a level of practice commensurate
with the requirements of the four pillars of
advanced practice
 evidence of CPD in the previous three years

related to the advanced level nursing

role (two pieces). Evidence for
revalidation purposes demonstrating
advanced level practice (certificate and
NMC template) is acceptable or two
reflective pieces related to ALNP level
practice

12 rcn.org.uk/credentialing
 The assessment process
A STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO RCN CREDENTIALING

Complete Upload Further Leave Appeals You will be invited to

the online evidence under information has process or process submit evidence to renew
self-assessment Competence, been supplied go to appeals the credential after a period
and decide which Qualifications process Your application of three years
model to apply & Experience is sent to an
under (A to D) section, and independent
submit your external assessor for
application review, resulting in
RCN will assess
recommendation of
your ongoing
award or rejection
CPD, a current
and/or further You will be added job plan and
evidence required to a public-facing clinical reference
Directory of nurses and confirm the
practicing at an credential for
advanced level, and another three years
supplied with a
badge and certificate
Pay the fee and
set up an online
account on the
credentialing
portal

Your application You will be informed of the

will be screened by outcome and asked to provide
RCN staff to ensure feedback on your experience You will be invited
it is complete to attend CPD
and access to
Leave Your assessment will be education and
process or moderated by an experienced networking
Further information go to appeals assessor and the decision opportunities for
has been supplied process will be confirmed ALNPs every year

13
References
DHSSPS (2016) Advanced Nursing Practice
Framework, Supporting Advanced Nursing Practice
in Health and Social Care Trusts.
NHS Scotland Advanced Practice Toolkit
www.advancedpractice.scot.nhs.uk
NLIAH & GIGC/NHSW (2016) Framework for
Advanced Nursing, Midwifery and Allied Health
Professional Practice in Wales.
RCN Standards for Advanced Level Nursing
Practice (2018)
Northern Ireland Supporting Advanced Practice
in Health and Social Care (2014)
Nursing and Midwifery Council (2018) The Code:
Standards of practice and behaviours for nurses
and midwives, London: NMC.
QAA (2018) The UK Quality Code for Higher
Education. Part A.
14
Appeals and complaints
If you are unsuccessful in your application
for the RCN Advanced Level Nurse Credential,
you may appeal within 14 days if you believe the
assessors have failed to assess your application
correctly. If you appeal, we will ask you to
complete a “grounds for appeal form”
(rcn.org.uk/contact/complaints-form).
This, along with your original application, will be
considered by a new assessor, and moderated
by a third assessor whose decision will be final.
Complaints will be managed in accordance with
the RCN’s complaints policy.
rcn.org.uk/contact/rcn-customer-promise
rcn.org.uk/credentialing
Appendix one: Reference template
Advanced practice is a level of practice, rather than
a type of practice. Advanced Nurse Practitioners
are educated at Masters Level in clinical practice
and have been assessed as competent in practice
using their expert clinical knowledge and skills.
They have the freedom and authority to act, making
autonomous decisions in the assessment, diagnosis
and treatment of patients.
RCN standards for advanced practice are
available here. This includes signposting to the
four country frameworks.
This clinical reference should evidence the
following:
• the four pillars of advanced practice
• autonomous practice

RCN DEFINITION OF ADVANCED • critical thinking

PRACTICE 2018 • high levels of decision-making and
problem-solving
RCN standards for Advanced Level Nursing
Practice: rcn.org.uk/professional-development/ • values-based care
publications/pub-007038 • improving practice.
Advanced level nursing practice must encompass
all aspects of this definition in order to be
credentialed by the RCN.

15
Applicant’s name NMC PIN:

Applicant’s Professional Registration and Academic Achievements:

Please describe the applicant’s work in relation to each of the following:

Clinical: (please outline how the applicant works at an advanced level utilising the criteria in the
definition above)

Leadership: (Please describe how the applicant demonstrates the leadership role)

Facilitation of learning: (Please describe how the applicant is involved in the facilitation of learning,
e.g. teaching and training, supervision)

Evidence, research and development: (Please demonstrate how the applicant is involved in
evidence-based practice, research and practice development)

To be signed by organisational Clinical Lead

I hereby confirm that is competent to work at an advanced level of nursing and practice
in accordance with the criteria set out above.
Name

Signature

Designation

Date

16 rcn.org.uk/credentialing
Appendix two: Example job plan
Please complete the table below showing your work for a typical week/ working pattern. The job
plan MUST reflect the four pillars of advanced level practice: Practice/Education/Management-
leadership/ Research-evidence -based practice. The work you do in relation to these pillars will vary
from day to day and in relation to the work you are doing, however, clinical practice needs to be the
main focus. For those with a portfolio of roles the job plan should reflect this and may need to be
wider (e.g. monthly/annually).

REFERENCES
RCN advanced practice standards

Morning Afternoon Evening Night Comments

Monday

Tuesday

Wednesday

Thursday

Friday

Saturday

Sunday

Do you have any further comments you would like to make about your job plan?

17
I confirm that this is a true reflection of my working pattern:
Name

Signature
(electronic
signature
acceptable)
Date

Verification:
By a line manager, clinical lead or senior colleague who understands the nature of your work.
I confirm that this is a true reflection of (insert above’s name) .....................................................................
working pattern.
Name

Signature
(electronic
signature
acceptable)
Designation

Date

This is an example job plan.

A template is available from the credentialing team.

18 rcn.org.uk/credentialing
Appendix three: RCN Accredited Advanced Nurse
Practitioner (ANP) Programmes as at February 2020
Name of university Course title
Anglia Ruskin University MSc/PG Dip Advanced Practice (Clinical)
University of Bradford MSc/PG Dip Advanced Practice
City University London MSc ACP and MSc ACP(Apprenticeship) Programmes
University of Cumbria MSc Advanced Clinical Practice
University of Hertfordshire MSc Contemporary Nursing (Advanced Practice)
University of Huddersfield MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (ACP)
London South Bank University MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Adult)
MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Adult) Apprenticeship
MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Child)
MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Child) Apprenticeship
MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Mental Health)
MSc Advanced Clinical Practice (Mental Health) Apprenticeship
University of Plymouth MSc Advanced Professional Practice (Clinical Practitioner)
Robert Gordon University, MSc Advancing Nursing Practice
Aberdeen

19
Appendix four: Descriptor for a higher education
qualification at level 7
DESCRIPTOR FOR A HIGHER EDUCATION QUALIFICATION AT LEVEL 7 ON THE
FHEQ AND SCQF LEVEL 11 ON THE FQHEIS: MASTER’S DEGREE
Master’s degrees are awarded to students who
have demonstrated:
 a systematic understanding of knowledge, and
a critical awareness of current problems and/or
new insights, much of which is at the forefront
of, or informed by, their academic discipline,
field of study or area of professional practice
 a comprehensive understanding of techniques
applicable to their own research or
advanced scholarship
 originality in the application of knowledge,
together with a practical understanding of
how established techniques of research and
enquiry are used to create and interpret
knowledge in the discipline
 conceptual understanding that enables the
student to:
• critically evaluate current research and
advanced scholarship in the discipline
• evaluate methodologies and develop
critiques of them and, where appropriate,
to propose new hypotheses.
Typically, holders of the qualification will be
able to:
 deal with complex issues both systematically
and creatively, make sound judgements in the
absence of complete data, and communicate
their conclusions clearly to specialist and
non-specialist audiences
 demonstrate self-direction and originality
in tackling and solving problems, and act
autonomously in planning and implementing
tasks at a professional or equivalent level
 continue to advance their knowledge and
understanding, and to develop new skills
to a high level.
20
And holders will have:
 the qualities and transferable skills necessary
for employment requiring:
• the exercise of initiative and personal
responsibility
• decision-making in complex and
unpredictable situations
• the independent learning ability necessary
for continuing professional development.
Much of the study undertaken for master’s
degrees is at the forefront of, or informed by, an
academic or professional discipline. Successful
students show originality in the application
of knowledge, and they understand how the
boundaries of knowledge are advanced through
research. They are able to deal with complex
issues both systematically and creatively, and they
show originality in tackling and solving problems.
They have the qualities needed for employment
in circumstances requiring sound judgement,
personal responsibility and initiative in complex
and unpredictable professional environments.
Master’s degrees are awarded after completion
of taught courses, programmes of research
or a mixture of both. Longer, research-based
programmes may lead to the degree of MPhil.
The learning outcomes of most master’s degree
courses are achieved on the basis of study
equivalent to at least one full-time calendar year
and are taken by graduates with a bachelor’s
degree with honours (or equivalent achievement).
Masters degrees are often distinguished from
other qualifications at this framework level
(for example, advanced short courses, which
often form parts of continuing professional
development programmes and lead to
postgraduate certificates and/or postgraduate
diplomas) by an increased intensity, complexity
rcn.org.uk/credentialing
and density of study. Master’s degrees, in
comparison to postgraduate certificates and
postgraduate diplomas, typically include planned
intellectual progression that often includes a
synoptic/research or scholarly activity.

21
Appendix five: Template for mapping qualifications
to four pillars (Model B & C)

PEASE CROSS REFERENCE YOU QUALIFICATIONS/ MASTER’S MODULES TO ALL

OF THE FOLLOWING SECTIONS:

Clinical Practice
Please reference health assessment course and prescribing

Leadership
This may be standalone (not necessarily academic) or a module. It may be an independent study module
where you demonstrated clinical leadership

Education/Facilitation of Learning
E.g. mentorship/teaching module/course

Research / Evidence based practice

This may be dissertation or project as part of masters etc.

22 rcn.org.uk/credentialing
Appendix six: Frequently asked questions
WHAT IS CREDENTIALING?
Credentialing recognises a nurse’s ability to
practise at an advanced level. It is an opportunity
for nurses to demonstrate their qualifications,
expertise and competence in their clinical
practice, their leadership, their education and
their research. It also enables them to enhance
and develop their career prospects and to
continue their personal and professional
development.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO CREDENTIAL?
Any nurse who works at an advanced level of
practice, has non-medical prescribing rights and
has an active registration with the NMC can
apply, and will be successful if they demonstrate
that they meet our requirements by supplying
the necessary evidence.
Eligibility is linked solely to your ability to
demonstrate that you meet our requirements for
qualifications, experience and competence, and
not, for example, your job title. The definition of
advanced practice set out below should also help
you identify if you meet the requirements.
The RCN definition is as follows:
“Advanced practice is a level of practice, rather
than a type of practice. Advanced Nurse
Practitioners are educated at Masters Level
in clinical practice and have been assessed
as competent in practice using their expert
clinical knowledge and skills. They have
the freedom and authority to act, making
autonomous decisions in the assessment,
diagnosis and treatment of patients.”
I CURRENTLY HOLD A BSC NURSE
PRACTITIONER AWARD – DO I NOW
NEED TO STUDY FOR A MASTER’S
IN ADVANCED NURSING PRACTICE?
Currently, there are transitional
arrangements in place so that any nurses who
rcn.org.uk/credentialing
don’t meet the criteria for credentialing and are
undertaking advanced level practice can apply
for the credential on submission of evidence
demonstrating that the RCN criteria for
advanced level nursing are met.
If you have a question about whether you are
eligible, please email credentialing@rcn.org.uk
WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GAIN
THE CREDENTIAL?
Nurses will need to show that they are
operating at an advanced level of practice by
demonstrating evidence and experience in four
areas: clinical practice, leadership, teaching and
research. However, clinical practice must be the
main focus.
They will also need to show evidence of a job
plan that demonstrates current advanced level
practice and provides evidence of practice in the
four areas above. This will need to be verified
by a senior nurse or employer, who will provide
a clinical reference confirming their clinical
competence and showing evidence of CPD.
WHO ASSESSES WHETHER YOU ARE
ELIGIBLE FOR CREDENTIALING?
The RCN will assess credentialing. A team of
people who have been involved in developing the
credentialing process will assess the evidence to
determine whether a nurse has sufficient evidence
and expertise to gain the credential.
Assessors are selected for their knowledge, skills
and expertise in the subject area of the material
submitted for credentialing.
WHAT HAPPENS ONCE I AM
CREDENTIALED?
Those who are successful in credentialing will be
included on a public-facing, searchable directory,
and will receive a badge and certificate. The
credential will be renewed every three years.
23
WHY ARE ONLY NURSES AT
ADVANCED LEVEL ELIGIBLE?
At present credentialing is only open to
nurses practicing at an advanced level, but if
it is successful, the RCN will extend it to other
nursing specialisms.
I ATTENDED AN RCN-ACCREDITED
UNIVERSITY – DOES THAT MEAN I
HAVE THE CREDENTIALS ALREADY?
From April 2017, nurses who successfully
achieve the full master’s qualification, including
non-medical prescribing, from an RCN-accredited
university will have the credential awarded for the
first three years. The re-credentialing process will
accord with all other re-credentialing criteria.
HOW IS CREDENTIALING DIFFERENT
TO ACCREDITATION?
Credentialing is a way of recognising an
individual nurse’s competence to practice at
an advanced level. Accreditation is a way of
recognising a particular course of study or
institution providing the programme.
HOW DOES CREDENTIALING LINK TO
NMC REVALIDATION?
NMC revalidation recognises your ability to
practise as a registered nurse or midwife and
maintain active registration on the NMC
Professional Register of Nurses and Midwives.
This is a statutory requirement. Credentialing is
a way of recognising competence to practise at
a particular level. It is an RCN initiative and is not
mandatory for registration with the NMC, nor
for revalidation. Evidence you use for your CPD
in revalidation can also be used as evidence in
credentialing and re-credentialing.
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HOW MUCH DOES CREDENTIALING
COST?
Inclusion on the database will incur a cost. The
initial assessment will be £275, with renewal
(after three year cycle) being £125. Prices
include VAT.
WHY IS THERE A COST WHEN I
ALREADY PAY NMC AND RCN FEES?
Like many other professional qualifications,
the process of credentialing, including
assessment and inclusion on the register, incurs
a cost. Gaining a credential is separate to your
registration with the NMC and your membership
of the RCN. Moreover, credentialing is available
to non-RCN members.
WHAT HAPPENS IF I DON’T PASS
THE CREDENTIAL ASSESSMENT?
If you are unsuccessful in your application for the
credential you will not be added to the database
but you will incur charges. You can re-apply
for credentialing at any time on submission of
further evidence and payment of a credentialing
fee.
IF I AM UNSUCCESSFUL IN MY
CREDENTIALING APPLICATION BUT
AM STILL EMPLOYED WITH A JOB
TITLE AS AN ANP WILL THE RCN
STILL PROVIDE INDEMNITY FOR ME?
Please refer to the RCN website regarding
indemnity:
rcn.org.uk/get-help/indemnity-scheme
WHAT RESOURCES ARE AVAILABLE
TO SUPPORT ME TO DEVELOP AS AN
ADVANCED LEVEL NURSE?
The RCN website has useful publications to
support nursing innovation and advanced
practice. The RCN ANP Forum is a useful group
to join.
rcn.org.uk/credentialing
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26 rcn.org.uk/credentialing
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The RCN represents nurses and nursing, promotes
excellence in practice and shapes health policies

RCN CREDENTIALING
rcn.org.uk/credentialing
020 7647 3647

Published by the Royal College of Nursing

20 Cavendish Square
London
W1G 0RN
020 7409 3333

Publication code 009 498

November 2020

28 rcn.org.uk/credentialing